Degree Programs & Courses Doctorate

Doctoral Degree

Doctoral study at the University of Bern

Are you interested in doing some independent research work and would like to start a doctorate at the University of Bern?

As a university with eight faculties offering a full range of courses and an institution with a real emphasis on research, the University of Bern offers early career researchers attractive structures for a promising doctorate.

You can either take the doctorate within a graduate school or as part of a doctoral degree program, or you can even take a traditional individual doctorate. Graduate schools and doctoral degree programs are arranged on an interdisciplinary and/or interuniversity basis in many cases. In addition to research-related training and intensive support, these also offer excellent opportunities for networking within the academic community.

An A-Z of doctoral subjects

An A-Z of doctoral subjects

Further information

Online course "Research Integrity"

Take advantage of the "Research Integrity" online course now, which will maneuver you through the complex ethical aspects of the research process via practical advice and principles.

Transferable Skills - Key Qualifications for your academic and non-academic Career

Transferable skills program for doctoral students and postdocs of every discipline.

Funding program «UniBE Short Travel Grants for (Post)Docs»

The University of Bern, with its funding program «UniBE Short Travel Grants for (Post)Docs», supports doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers in attending short research stays abroad, to advance their own research projects and to gain more international experience.

Next application deadline: March 1, 2025

Mittelstrasse - night shot of the exterior - partial view. Windows are illuminated. Side entrance, round fountain surrounded by trees with green leaves.

ENLIGHT membership

The European University Alliance ENLIGHT connects the University of Bern with nine other research-intensive comprehensive universities which jointly pursue the goal of structural development and create an interconnected campus for students, lecturers, researchers and employees.

UniBE Doc.Mobility

UniBE Doc.Mobility is granted for stays abroad which usually last twelve months. Support takes place in the form of an employment as a doctoral student, but with a place of research abroad.

Application deadlines 2025: March 1/ September 1

Promotion Fund

In cooperation with the Intermediate Staff Association of the University of Bern, the Vice-Rectorate Research calls for proposals to the Fund for the Promotion of Young Researchers twice a year.

MVUB - Lunchtalks

Lunchtime events concerning academic career, working conditions and intermediate staff politics.

Kreiden

Innovative higher education teaching

The University of Bern's Department of 'Hochschuldidaktik & Lehrentwicklung' supports you in your teaching activities with coaching and around 50 events a year.

COMET – Coaching, Mentoring und Training

The COMET Career Programme supports female researchers in successfully pursuing their academic careers.

Next application deadline: March, 16 2025